InteriorOur test model featured a dark gray/black interior with supportive cloth seats and smooth plastic surfaces. One reach for the manual seat adjustment and you realize that the Rogue is no luxury car, but it’s nevertheless quite well appointed, with easy to use climate controls and a Bose Premium Audio system with 7 speakers, 6 disc in dash CD player, and XM Satellite radio.

Climb into the back seat and one of the Rogue’s main shortcomings does become obvious. Rear seat room and cargo capacity are rather cramped, likely due to the Rogue’s sleek exterior shape and plunging roofline. Even with the rear seats folded down there is barely room for a bicycle or other larger object, which unfortunately mitigates any practical advantages the Rogue might have over a small sedan. Rearview visibility is also limited, due to unusually small rear side windows.

ExteriorLike most of the current crop of crossovers, the Rogue rejects the traditional boxy SUV look in favor if a sleek, swept back profile. However, there are also some aggressive touches, including a unique checkered flag front grill and well defined wheel well arches. Given that Nissan has been marketing the Rogue more towards young, hip urbanites than suburban soccer moms, this more muscular look should work well to attract buyers who still desire a more rugged looking SUV. Our Phantom White Rogue SL also included 17” Alloy wheels and a factory roof rack, both of which add a nice extra touch of boldness.

Value / Who Should Buy It
Although not quite an out of the park home run, the Rogue nonetheless represents a solid effort from Nissan, and should attract more than a few buyers away from such favorites as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. With an MSRP of $23,425, our 2WD Rogue SL is an excellent value, especially given its top-notch road manners. Although fuel economy was a disappointing 22 MPG, much of that is likely due to excessive use of the manual paddle shifters in wringing every last RPM out of the willing engine. More sane driving habits should result in MPG figures in the mid to high 20’s. For those in the market for a small SUV who value the driving experience and don’t mind standing out from the crowd, the Rogue could be the perfect sidekick.

“Probably the best feature that I enjoyed (from both a usability and performance standpoint) was tapping the shift paddles while in auto mode… It’s loud when you floor it, but the Nissan feels fast as the rev’s build.”

“The Rogue is nicely bolted together, especially for an entry-level vehicle that doesn’t break the bank. Materials and workmanship are solid all-around, and interior noise levels, although not whisper quiet, are quite acceptable.”

Why do reviewers insist on, in this example, “wringing every last RPM out of the willing engine” and THEN complain about gas mileage? Maybe you should report that your hand hurts every time you intentionally slam it in the door. I get mileage very close to EPA numbers on vehicles when I drive conservatively. I get poor economy when I drive like a nutter. I don’t blame the vehicle.